n recent years, affiliate marketing has established itself as a powerhouse in the digital marketing sector, evolving into a multi-billion dollar global industry. Global affiliate marketing spend is projected to reach $14.3 billion in 2023, before climbing to $15.7 billion by 2024. In the US alone, affiliate marketing spending will hit $13 billion by the end of 2023.
These figures underscore the vital role of affiliate marketing in today's digital economy, offering lucrative opportunities for bloggers, writers, and digital publishers.
Navigating through the myriad of options to find the best affiliate marketing networks, however, remains a challenge. This article aims to demystify the affiliate marketing industry, providing a comprehensive guide to the top affiliate networks and programs publishers can partner with to optimize their affiliate income in 2024.
13 Best Affiliate Networks to Join in 2024:
1. Commission Factory
2. Amazon Associates
3. Avangate Affiliate Network
4. Awin
5. C.J. Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)
6. ClickBank
7. eBay Partner Network (EPN)
8. FlexOffers
9. JVZoo
10. Rakuten Marketing (formerly LinkShare)
11. ShareASale
12. Impact
13. PartnerStack
What Is an Affiliate Network?
An affiliate network connects digital publishers with companies, brands, and merchants looking to promote their products and services.
Through an online portal, affiliate networks give publishers access to numerous affiliate marketing programs, with access to several features, such as reporting tools, training, and other resources to help publishers become successful affiliate marketers.
How Do Affiliate Networks Work?
Affiliate networks act as hubs, connecting publishers, such as bloggers and website owners, with brands that have affiliate programs. When a publisher signs up and is approved by the network, they gain access to a variety of products and services that they can begin promoting.
They can choose what aligns best with their audience's interests. After selecting a product to promote, the publisher receives a unique affiliate link, which is used to track any sales they generate. The real magic happens when a sale is made through this link, as the publisher earns a commission, the rate of which depends on the specific product and brand.
Not to mention, these networks provide valuable tools for tracking performance, enabling publishers to see real-time data on their sales and commissions. This setup simplifies the affiliate marketing process for publishers and opens doors for brands to expand their reach through a diverse range of promoters.
What Is Affiliate Marketing?
Affiliate marketing has been around as long as marketing itself. It is the process of receiving a finder's fee when you refer a customer to a merchant.
Affiliate marketing operates in the following manner:
- A publisher introduces their audience to a product or service via their website, blog, or social media channels
- If their customers purchase said product using the unique affiliate site link, the publishers earn an affiliate commission for their affiliate marketing efforts.
Affiliate Marketing offers several referral program options, including:
- CPC cost-per-click affiliate programs that pay every time someone clicks the link
- CPL (cost-per-lead) programs that pay whenever a publisher refers a prospective
- And the most profitable of the programs are those that directly refer sales
Why Should Publishers Join an Affiliate Network?
Affiliate networks can connect bloggers, influencers, and publishers with thousands of brands and products, allowing them to monetize their websites and earn a passive income.
Benefits of joining an affiliate network include the following:
- Connects publishers with companies and merchants that are relevant to their website audience
- Affiliate networks handle the entire payment process for the publisher
- Access to rewards and incentives - the more affiliates sell, the better their commission rates
- Some platforms offer access to a referral program
- Access to analytics features and reporting tools so affiliates can track their progress
13 Best Affiliate Networks to Join in 2024
While there are literally hundreds of affiliate programs available to sign up to, here are the best affiliate networks to join in 2024.
1. Commission Factory
Commission Factory is a leading affiliate marketing platform with more than 800 partnering advertisers. Known for its straightforward yet comprehensive affiliate software, it offers a simple sign-up process, easy implementation, and intuitive tracking.
Publishers can access real-time statistics on the user-friendly dashboard, which provides detailed insights into sales, clicks, and commissions.
Payments are made weekly, and a dedicated customer support team ensures smooth operations. Notably, Commission Factory is ahead in adapting to future trends with its cookieless and click-less tracking technology, making it an ideal choice for publishers focused on evolving affiliate marketing practices.
- Commission Rate: The average commission rate is between 8-10% of the sale value.
- Payout Schedule: Commission Factory pays commission to its affiliates on a weekly basis.
- Payment Options: Wire transfer, PayPal, Prepaid MasterCard, check
- Product Types: Retail products,holidays,y and travel
- Best For: Publishers specializing in the travel, clothing and fashion and most niches of the retail industry.
2. Amazon Associates
Amazon Associates, established in 1996, is the affiliate network of the world's largest eCommerce store. It offers affiliates access to a vast array of products, ranging from books to beauty aids. Known for its user-friendly interface and straightforward sign-up process, Amazon Associates is widely praised for its reliability and ease of use.
A unique feature of this network is that affiliates can earn commissions on any product purchased by their audience within 24 hours of clicking their link, not just on the specific products promoted.
- Commission Rate: Amazon Associates offers a commission rate of around 5%. However, this varies by product type
- Payout Schedule: Amazon Associates pays marketers approximately 60 days after the end of the month in which they earned the commission
- Payment Options: Amazon offers several payment options, including direct deposit, Amazon gift certificates, or checks in the mail. (checks in the mail incur $15 processing fee) International users can get paid by gift certificates or checks
- Product Types: Millions of physical and digital products across hundreds of categories
- Best For: Any affiliate marketer, particularly those who are new to affiliate marketing
3. Avangate Affiliate Network
The Avangate Affiliate Network specializes in connecting publishers with digital product merchants such as Malwarebytes and various other software companies.
Rated #1 Worldwide Affiliate Network by Blue Book Global for the past six years, they have an excellent reputation. While they offer a coupon program to help drive sales and a long cookie life, they have limited reporting tools.
- Commission Rate: Commissions start at around 25% and can reach over 50% for some merchants
- Payout Schedule: Avangate pays commission to its affiliates 20 days from the end of the month for which the commission is due
- Payment Options: Wire transfer, PayPal, or check
- Product Types: Digital products, online security, and SaaS products
- Best For: Publishers specializing in technology, SaaS, and related industries
4. Awin
With over 15,000 advertisers and 210,000 active publishers, Awin is one of the largest and most well-respected affiliate programs. Awin offers publishers access to businesses such as StubHub, Hyatt, AliExpress, and Under Armour.
Each program must be applied to separately, however, and they do charge an application fee.
- Commission Rate: Varies by which merchant, but the average commission is around 5%
- Payout Schedule: Fortnightly, on the 1st and the 15th of every month
- Payment Options: Via BACS, international wire transfer, or ACH
- Product Types: Awin offers a wide variety of both physical and digital products, including travel, fashion, technology, finance, insurance, and eCommerce
- Best For: Both beginners and established affiliate marketers
5. C.J. Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)
CJ Affiliate, which started life in 1998 as Commission Junction, has over two decades of experience connecting brands and affiliates. A large company with a strong history, the CJ Affiliate marketing program offers affiliate partners access to more than 3,000 merchants assisting affiliate marketers in earning more than $1.8 billion every year.
Amongst their affiliate network services, CJ Affiliate offers its users real-time reporting tools, meaning affiliates can monitor activity on their affiliate dashboard as it happens.
- Commission Rate: Varies by which merchant affiliates partner with
- Payout Schedule: C.J. Affiliate pays out within 20 days of the end of the month, as long as users have a minimum payment threshold of $50 (Direct Deposit) or $100 (Check)
- Payment Options: Direct Deposit, Check, or Payoneer for international affiliates
- Product Types: A wide range of physical products, from automotive and electronics to gardening and recycling
- Best For: Bloggers with an established audience who want a feature-rich affiliate network
6. ClickBank
ClickBank, founded in 1998, sets itself apart from the pack by focusing on digital information products, product launches, and other internet marketing products. Along with Amazon Associates, it is also one of the oldest affiliate networks around.
ClickBank is a good email marketing option for affiliates because it has over 6 million digital products created by global entrepreneurs. While ClickBank offers some of the highest commissions in the affiliate marketing business, some of the offerings can be questionable, so publishers need to do their homework.
- Commission Rate: Up to 90%, though most are much lower
- Payout Schedule: ClickBank offers flexible payment options, from weekly to monthly, depending on affiliates' preferences
- Payment Options: Check, wire transfer, and direct deposit
- Product Types: ClickBank offers more than 6 million wide-ranging affiliate products
- Best For: For online marketers looking to promote digital products exclusively, ClickBank is a good bet
7. eBay Partner Network (EPN)
eBay Partner Network may have only launched in 2008, but its connection to one of the world’s largest online marketplaces ensures its spot within this list.
With eBay offering 1.1 billion listings, publishers have access to an endless range of physical products to promote to their audience via its affiliate marketing network.
- Commission Rate: Varies depending on the product category
- Payout Schedule: EPN pays monthly, so long as publishers have earned $10 or more
- Payment Options: PayPal and Direct Deposit
- Product Types: Anything and everything offered on eBay
- Best For: Publishers focusing on physical products who want a trusted affiliate network to join
8. FlexOffers
FlexOffers, founded in 2008, is one of the most popular affiliate networks boasting more than 12,000 merchants in over 25 categories across 27 countries.
When a publisher signs up with FlexOffers, they're assigned a dedicated affiliate manager to help navigate the affiliate program, making it ideal for those just starting out with affiliate programs.
Another benefit they offer is a quick payment schedule, with top earners able to access their commissions within seven days.
- Commission Rate: Varies by the merchant
- Product Types: Mostly physical products, with some digital options
- Payment Options: Check, direct deposit, and PayPal for partners outside the US
- Payout Schedule: Within 30 days or seven days for top earners
- Best For: Those new to the affiliate network ecosystem looking for access to a variety of products and services
9. JVZoo
Jvzoo, which has more than 800,000 active affiliates, specializes in digital products, with most JVZoo merchants offering marketing, tech, and artificial intelligence services.
Offering a user-friendly dashboard with an easy-to-navigate menu, JVZoo also provides automatic payments.
- Commission Rate: Varies by the merchant
- Payout Schedule: Varies according to publisher
- Payment Options: PayPal, Check, JVZooPayManual Payments
- Product Types: Digital products in online marketing, A.I., training, and financial fields
- Best For: Affiliates specializing in I.T., A.I., and digital marketing fields
10. Rakuten Marketing (formerly LinkShare)
Rakuten Marketing, formerly Buy.com, is another great affiliate program for bloggers in the eCommerce space who want to focus on physical products. A comparable alternative to Amazon, Rakuten Marketing represents industry-leading brands such as Walmart, Sephora, and New Balance.
While it remains one of the smaller affiliate networks, Rakuten Marketing is one of the best affiliate networks when it comes to its technology and reporting system.
- Commission Rate: Commission varies widely depending on the advertiser
- Payout Schedule: Rakuten only pays publishers after the merchants have paid them. This tends to make payment roughly two months after each sale
- Payment Options: Check; Direct Deposit; PayPal
- Product Types: Retail Goods, Physical products
- Best For: Tech junkies looking to partner with retail brands
11. ShareASale
ShareASale stands as a key player in the affiliate marketing industry, particularly for those looking for a wide variety of marketing options. With over 25,000 merchants and 270,000 active publishers, it generated over 200 million sales in 2022.
ShareASale offers custom tools, real-time insights, and a range of integrations, making it a versatile choice for both new and experienced affiliates
- Commission Rate: Varies depending on the merchant
- Payout Schedule: Affiliates can collect commission after they have earned $50
- Payment Options: ShareASale offers payment via Check and direct deposit
- Product Types: Home & Garden, Fashion, Green, and Business
- Best For: For anyone looking for an affiliate network offering a wide variety of affiliate marketing options
12. Impact
Impact offers a dynamic and versatile platform that caters to both brands and publishers. Known for its cutting-edge technology, Impact provides a suite of tools designed for effective tracking, accurate attribution, and seamless partnership management.
The network is able to facilitate meaningful and profitable collaborations across a wide range of industries, from technology and retail to travel and lifestyle. With its user-friendly interface and detailed analytics, Impact is a great choice for those seeking to optimize their affiliate marketing strategies and forge lasting partnerships.
- Commission Rate: Varies by program
- Payout Schedule: Monthly, with a minimum threshold for payouts
- Payment Options: Bank transfer, PayPal, and other digital payment methods
- Product Types: Mainly software and SaaS products
- Best For: Affiliates with a focus on technology and software niches
13. PartnerStack
PartnerStack primarily focuses on connecting SaaS companies with a network of affiliates who specialize in promoting software products.
The platform offers robust tools for tracking and analytics and is ideal for those who are keen on diving into the rapidly growing world of software and technology.
- Commission Rate: Varies by program
- Payout Schedule: Monthly, with a minimum threshold for payouts
- Payment Options: Bank transfer, PayPal, and other digital payment methods
- Product Types: Mainly software and SaaS products
- Best For: Affiliates with a focus on technology and software niches
What to Consider When Choosing an Affiliate Network
Several elements should be evaluated when a publisher is considering which ad affiliate platform is right for them.
Publishers looking to sign up to a reliable affiliate network should consider the following:
Customer Base
Firstly, publishers should evaluate who makes up their customer base and followers. By assessing who they will be marketing to, publishers can choose a platform that offers the best online tools and marketing analytic platforms to suit their audience.
User Interface
Some affiliate platforms offer more simple user interfaces than others. Bloggers and influencers should choose a network that suits their level of technical expertise.
Commission Rate
Affiliate commissions earned by marketers can vary greatly from network to network, so it is crucial to check this before signing up to an affiliate network platform. Marketers may also want to research how the affiliate network handles payment processing, for example, via PayPal, direct deposit, and how often a payout is made.
Product/Service Selection
This is perhaps the most crucial element to assess when looking at affiliate networks. It is essential that the affiliate network will connect bloggers with brands and physical products that their audience will be interested in.
Approval Requirements
What are the approval requirements for the affiliate program? Some networks require sites to be well-established with a certain amount of traffic.
Additional Fees
Some affiliate networks charge fees for training, setup, or customer service.
Cookie duration
Cookie duration refers to how long a program tracks and gives credit to a prospective buyer. Durations can vary drastically from platform to platform. For example, Amazon's cookie duration is 24 hours, while Avangate's is 120 days.
Affiliate Networks Vs. Affiliate Programs: What’s the Difference?
While often used interchangeably, affiliate networks and affiliate programs are distinct entities in the realm of affiliate marketing.
Affiliate Networks are third-party platforms that connect multiple merchants with affiliate marketers. They offer a variety of programs in one place, allowing affiliates to compare and choose programs that suit their niche. Networks manage these relationships, provide tracking technology, and often require a fee from merchants but are usually free for affiliates to join.
Affiliate Programs are specific arrangements between a merchant and an affiliate. Merchants offer these programs to promote their products and pay commissions for sales or leads generated by the affiliate. These may be independent, under the control of the merchants, or a part of a larger network.
Key Differences:
- Scope: Networks offer multiple programs; individual programs offer a direct partnership with one merchant.
- Management: Networks provide centralized tools for tracking and management; individual programs might require more direct interaction with the merchant.
- Cost: Joining networks is generally free for affiliates, while merchants may pay to list their programs.
Your choice depends on your marketing strategy. Networks are ideal for accessing a wide range of programs, while individual programs offer focused partnerships with specific merchants.
In essence, while both aim to drive sales through affiliate marketing, networks offer a broader range of options and centralized management, whereas individual programs provide a direct relationship with merchants.
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FAQs:
Which Affiliate Network Is Best for Publishers?
Determining which are the top affiliate marketing networks for publishers often depends on their niche. ShareASale and Commission Junction (CJ Affiliate) are widely recommended for their diverse range of products and user-friendly platforms.
These networks cater to a variety of niches, offer robust tracking tools, and have a reputation for reliable payments. Publishers should consider factors like commission rates, product relevance to their audience, and the support and tools these and other affiliate networks offer when choosing the best fit for their needs.
What Are the Highest Paying Affiliate Networks?
Networks like ClickBank and JVZoo are known for offering high commission rates, often up to 75% or more, especially in the digital products space. However, high commissions are typically associated with specific niches such as digital marketing, software, and health and wellness products. It's important for affiliates to balance high commission rates with the quality and relevance of the products to their audience to ensure sustainable earnings.
What Are the Most Popular Affiliate Networks?
Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and CJ Affiliate are among the most popular affiliate networks. Amazon Associates offers access to a vast range of products with a trusted brand name, making it a go-to for many publishers. ShareASale and CJ Affiliate are favored for their extensive merchant networks and reliable tracking systems. These networks are popular due to their ease of use, wide range of products, and strong reputation in the affiliate marketing community.